§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what were the grades of officers involved in the recent north-west roadside check of lorries carrying chemicals; and whether this activity is part of the job descriptions of all the officers so employed on that day.
§ Mr. ForthThe following grades of staff in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) were involved in the Chemcheck North West exercise on 26 June:
- Band B inspector
- Band D inspector
- Band E inspector
- Band F inspector
- Higher professional technical officer
- Administrative officer
One of HSE's main objectives is to promote and secure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and this extends to and includes the legislation that applies to the transport of hazardous substances or goods by road. All staff in HSE's field operations division are responsible for ensuring that this main objective is met and contribute either directly or indirectly by a variety of means including the inspection of work activities, enforcement, giving advice and information and the provision of clerical support. However, their job descriptions do not include specific reference to undertaking roadside checks on lorries carrying chemicals.